Second community engagement meeting set for Friday in Rialto

The second in a series of community engagement meetings to discuss ways in which San Bernardino County can improve access to health care and the overall wellness of its citizens will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday at San Bernardino County Health Services, 850 E. Foothill Blvd., in Rialto.

County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, whose district includes Rialto's unincorporated areas, will be a featured speaker at the meeting. Community leaders from Colton, Fontana, Highland and Rialto, along with those from the unincorporated areas of Bloomington, El Rancho Verde and Muscoy, are expected to be in attendance.

The event is one in a series of meetings that will be held in each of the county's five supervisorial districts through Aug. 28, and is tied into the Countywide Vision, a 20-year initiative to improve the quality of life for citizens through collaborative efforts between county officials, regulatory agencies and community stakeholders.

Among the topics to be discussed during Friday's meeting include improving access to health care professionals, alcohol, drug and tobacco use, health insurance coverage, mental health, nutrition and access to food.

"We need to address the serious health disparities within our communities, especially when it comes to our youth and the rapid rise of childhood obesity," Supervisor Gonzales said in a statement. "What's great about this collaborative is that we will be able to identify indicators specific to each city and zip code. In addition, the statistical information shared can be used by our cities as they seek funding and move forward with future projects."

For more information, call 909-387-9146 or visit www.communityvitalsigns.org.

Information on the Countywide Vision can be found at www.sbcounty.gov/vision